best wrestler to never win state

[Don@275]

Originally Posted by Mainefan

Also, for the team he wrestled at 215, when he weighed about 180. This year he coached at Wheaton North, working with Mike Swider.

That was his jr. year, sr he was a ripped 215, I saw him at the GBN sectional, it was hard to see him in WN colors, but at least he stayed in the DVC.

[Pirate Pride]

Ben Gerdes is hands down the best wrestler to not win a title... no one even comes close!!!

He beat more state champs than ANYONE during his 4 year HS career, including TJ Williams for his last match HS match.

He was pick to win state ALL four years, but just couldn't get the job done.

Plus include his Freestyle accomplishments (Cadet national champ, Junior runner up, and Junior FILA champ). He beat several state champs at Fargo, including Jeff McGinuiss, Casey Gillis, and Oscar Wood (ALL 4x state champs in their respective states). He was also a 2 time World team member, placing 5th at the Junior World championships his senior year.

He was the most exciting, decorated, and highly watched wrestler of his time.....Certainly capable of being a 3x/4x champ.

I would even consider him one of the greatest of all times; even better than most mutiple state champs

[Warrior70]

Originally Posted by Phat&Happy

Larry Kristoff

Mr. Larry Kristoff began his wrestling career as a one man entry to the state series, placing first in the district, second in the sectional and second in the state. He was also an all-state football player. He was an eleven time National AAU Champion, place first in the National US Wrestling Federation four times, and champion of the Midlands four times. He was a Pan-American Games Champion, and placed 2nd in the World Games. He was a two time Olympian, placing 4th and 5th at the games.

As a college coach he started at Southern Illinois University at EdwardsAle when the school opened, Mr. Kristoff s teams have won three NCAA Division 11 National Championships. He was selected as NCAA Division 11 Coach of the Year in 1985.

Agreed! That year in high school was 1959. It was the only year that he competed in the sport while in high school.

[mckbln]

Originally Posted by Pirate Pride

Ben Gerdes is hands down the best wrestler to not win a title... no one even comes close!!!

He beat more state champs than ANYONE during his 4 year HS career, including TJ Williams for his last match HS match.

He was pick to win state ALL four years, but just couldn't get the job done.

Plus include his Freestyle accomplishments (Cadet national champ, Junior runner up, and Junior FILA champ). He beat several state champs at Fargo, including Jeff McGinuiss, Casey Gillis, and Oscar Wood (ALL 4x state champs in their respective states). He was also a 2 time World team member, placing 5th at the Junior World championships his senior year.

He was the most exciting, decorated, and highly watched wrestler of his time.....Certainly capable of being a 3x/4x champ.

I would even consider him one of the greatest of all times; even better than most mutiple state champs

Good pick...I certainly put him up there with Dennis, Kristoff, and 2012 Olympian Ellis Coleman.

[J.J.]

Tommy Erickson was 185 pounder from Bloom Trail.

[Brooktown]

William Gay

[CONDOR]

William Gay was definitely the best semi-final wrestler I ever saw in Champaign with wins over Danny O'Brien and Sean Bormet.

[Dondo]

Originally Posted by CONDOR

William Gay was definitely the best semi-final wrestler I ever saw in Champaign with wins over Danny O'Brien and Sean Bormet.

Gay was getting schooled by Bormet until he caught him in the cradle.

[Warrior70]

In the autumn of 1960, Buddy Felchlin was a junior at Granite City High School. He had never participated in any sport in his life. Standing outside the gym, one evening, one of his buddies challenged him to come up to the wrestling room and see what he could do. He enjoyed the experience and made the varsity line-up that year. He finished 4th in the state at 127 pounds that year (1961). The following year (1962), his senior year, he finished 2nd in state at 133 pounds. He might have been the best non-traditional wrestler to have placed, but not won, state in Illinois. I wish that it were that easy to find someone standing outside, without experience, who would place for my team when the tournament time came.

[J.J.]

Reggie Wilson (Bloim Trail) 2nd at 155 1982